Surgical access assembly and method of using same

ABSTRACT

An illuminating ring assembly is disclosed. The illuminating ring configured to be used with a surgical access element. The illuminating ring assembly comprises a housing defined by a cover and a wall member extending from the cover, wherein the cover and wall member cooperate to define a cavity therein, a light element configured to be disposed with the cavity, and an attachment mechanism configured to selectively attach the housing to a surgical access element. Wherein the cover and the light element both include an opening therethrough.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/208,085 filed Dec. 3, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/847,863 filed Sep. 8, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.10,143,366 issued Dec. 4, 2018, which is a divisional application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/786,186, filed on Mar. 5, 2013, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,161,820, issued Oct. 20, 2015, which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/280,015, filed on Oct. 24, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,770,261 issuedSep. 26, 2017, which application is a continuation-in-part applicationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/665,666, filed on Apr. 18, 2007,which application is the U.S. National Phase of PCT/US05/39185 filedOct. 28, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. provisional applicationSer. No. 60/623,094, filed Oct. 28, 2004, the contents of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical device for usewith delicate and critical tissues, as well as methods of accessing andperforming surgery using same.

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the brain are among themost difficult and complex problems that face the medical profession.The brain is a complex and delicate soft multi-component tissuestructure that controls bodily functions through a complex neuralnetwork connected to the rest of the body through the spinal cord. Thebrain and spinal cord are contained within and protected by significantbony structures, e.g., the skull and the spine. Given the difficulty ofaccessing the brain through the hard bony protective skull and thedelicate network and complex interactions that form the neuralcommunication network contained within the brain that define the humanbody's ability to carry on its functions of speech, sight, hearing,functional mobility, reasoning, emotions, respiration and othermetabolic functions, the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorderspresents unique challenges not encountered elsewhere in the body.

For example, abnormalities such as intracranial cerebral hematomas(ICH), abscesses, Glioblastomas (GB) and metastases (mets) manifestthemselves in the intraparenchymal subcortical space (i.e., the whitematter) of the brain are particularly challenging to access, let alonetreat. The ventricles of the brain contain eloquent communicationstructures (neural network) which are located in the subcortical space,called fiber tracts and fascicles. Thus, traditionally, unless the ICH,GB, and/or mets where considered anything but “superficial,” suchconditions have been considered inoperable, simply because getting tothe abnormality ICH, GB and/or mets are considered just as damaging asletting the condition take its course. Similarly, tissue abnormalitiessuch as tumors, cysts and fibrous membrane growths which manifest withinthe intraventricular space of the brain are considered challenging tosafely access and often inoperable, due to their locations within thebrain.

In order to assist in diagnosis and subsequent treatment of braindisorders, clear, accurate imaging of brain tissue through the skull isrequired. In recent years significant advances have been made in imagingtechnology, including stereotactic X-ray imaging, Computerized AxialTomography (CAT), Computerized Tomographic Angiography (CTA), PositionEmission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI),Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Navigation systems (instrumentposition tracking systems). These imaging devices and techniques permitthe surgeon to observe conditions within the brain in a non-invasivemanner without opening the skull, as well as provide a map of criticalstructures surrounding an area of interest, including structures such asblood vessels, membranes, tumor margins, cranial nerves, including fibertracts and fascicles. If an abnormality is identified through the use ofone or more imaging modalities and/or techniques, it may be necessary ordesirable to biopsy or remove the abnormality.

Once a course of action has been determined based upon one or moreimaging techniques, a surgical treatment may be necessary or desired. Inorder to operate surgically on the brain, access must be obtainedthrough the skull and delicate brain tissue containing blood vessels andnerves that can be adversely affected by even slight disturbances.Therefore, great care must be taken in operating on the brain so as notto disturb delicate blood vessels and nerves to prevent adverseconsequences resulting from a surgical intervention.

Traditionally, accessing abnormalities which manifest in deeper spaceswithin the brain has meant a need for a surgery that creates a highlyinvasive approach. In some instances, in order to obtain access totarget tissue, a substantial portion of the skull is removed and entiresections of the brain are retracted to obtain access. For example,surgical brain retractors are used to pull apart or spread delicatebrain tissue, which can leave pressure marks from lateral edges of theretractor. In some instances, a complication known as “retractioninjury” may occur due to use of brain retractors. Of course, suchtechniques are not appropriate for all situations, and not all patientsare able to tolerate and recover from such invasive techniques.

It is also known to access certain portions of the brain by creating aburr hole craniotomy, but only limited surgical techniques may beperformed through such smaller openings. In addition, some techniqueshave been developed to enter through the nasal passages, opening anaccess hole through the occipital bone to remove tumors located, forexample, in the area of the pituitary. These approaches are referred toas Expanded Endonasal Approaches (EEA) and were pioneered by one of theinventors of this disclosure.

A significant advance in brain surgery is stereotactic surgery involvinga stereotactic frame correlated to stereotactic X-ray images to guide anavigational system probe or other surgical instrument through anopening formed in the skull through brain tissue to a target lesion orother body. A related advance is frameless image guidance, in which animage of the surgical instrument is superimposed on a pre-operativeimage to demonstrate the location of the instrument to the surgeon andtrajectory of further movement of the probe or instrument.

In recent years, surgical access systems have been developed to provideaccess to previously difficult to access areas. One such prior artsystem is shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. System 10 includes a retractor 20 and anintroducer 40. Introducer 40 includes a cone-shaped distal end 42 withan opening 52 therein (best seen in FIG. 1C). The cone-shaped distal endis configured to be a generally blunt, flat surface. With introducer 40positioned within retractor 10, system 10 is inserted into brain tissue,thereby pushing brain tissue away while providing access to an area ofinterest. Once system 10 is delivered to the area of interest, retractor10 is rigidly fixed in position. More specifically, retractor 10 isfixed in space with the use of a standard or conventional neurosurgicalfixation device. Once, retractor 10 is fixed in place, introducer 40 isthen removed from retractor 10, while leaving retractor 10 in its fixedplace, thereby creating a pathway through the brain tissue.

While access system 10 may provide a manner to access certain braintissue, the blunt shaped distal end of can actually cause transient oreven permanent deformation and trauma of delicate tissue structureswhich can manifest itself in temporary or permanent neurologicaldeficits after surgical intervention due to damage of blood vessels,cranial nerves, fiber tracts and fascicles. Opening 52 may cause scoringof tissue, also leading to damage of the tissues and structures asintroducer 40 is pushed through tissue. Further, by rigidly fixing theplacement of retractor 10, manipulation of retractor 10 is impeded andrequires constant attention by loosening and retightening to re-positionfor even micro-movement of the retractor 10, thereby lengtheningprocedure time.

Another issue that needs to be addressed is visibility. Typically whenemploying an access system in a surgical procedure, it is often likeoperating in a poorly lit tunnel. To provide illumination, it is knownto place a light source within the introducer sheath, such as anendoscope. However, when using an endoscope, the light source takes up asignificant amount of working space within the introducer sheath, thusreducing the functional working area for other instruments, as well asminimizing the ability to move other instruments within the surgicalsite.

Alternatively, light must be delivered from a remote or externallocation, such as a microscope or exoscope. However, in the case ofmicroscopes and exoscopes, the external light source is often blocked bythe surgeon and/or instruments in the surgical field. At a minimum, theeffectiveness is greatly diminished at the distal end of the introducersheath where the actual surgical work and/or treatment is occurring, andwhere effective visualization is needed the most.

Notwithstanding the foregoing advances in imaging technology and bothframe and frameless stereotactic image guidance techniques, thereremains a need for improved surgical techniques and apparatus foroperating on brain tissue, including providing improved visibility,while minimizing surgical openings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described ingreater detail with reference to the attached figures, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a prior art surgical access system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary arrangementof a surgical access assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an outer sheath of the surgical accessassembly of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of the outer sheath of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the distalend of the outer sheath of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of analternative embodiment of the distal end of the outer sheath of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is an end view of outer sheath of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6A is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of an outersheath.

FIG. 6B is an end view of the outer sheath of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an obturator assembly of the surgicalaccess assembly of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of an end face of the obturator assemblytaken from area 7B of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a top view of the obturator assembly of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a distal end of the obturator assemblytaken from area 8B of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is an alternative embodiment of the distal end of the obturatorassembly taken from area 8B of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is an alternative embodiment of the distal end of the obturatorassembly taken from area 8B of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a side elevational view of the obturator assembly of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a portion of the obturator assembly takenfrom area 9B of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the obturator assembly of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an illuminating ring that operativelyconnects to an outer sheath of the surgical access assembly.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the illuminating ring of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a top view of the illuminating ring of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11D is a bottom plan view of the illuminating ring of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11E is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary arrangement of alighting arrangement for the illuminating of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11F is a plan view of a circuit board for use with the illuminatingring of 11A.

FIG. 11G is an exemplary electrical schematic for use with theilluminating ring of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 illustrates the illuminating ring of FIG. 11A assembled to anexemplary embodiment of the outer sheath.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a flow chart illustrating a process flow using thesurgical access assembly.

FIG. 14A-14B are images of a brain illustrating an area of interest,taken using an imaging modality.

FIG. 15 is an image taken of the brain shown in FIGS. 14A-14B,illustrating various critical structures, such as fiber tracts andfascicles of the brain.

FIG. 16A is an alternative embodiment of an obturator with an imagingdevice operatively connected thereto.

FIG. 16B is a partially exploded view of an enlarged cross-sectionalview of the proximal end of the obturator and a post.

FIG. 16C is an alternative arrangement of a coil sensor for use with anobturator.

FIG. 16D is an end view of the coil sensor mounted on the post of FIG.16C.

FIG. 17A is an elevational view of the surgical access system, while theobturator is being withdrawn from the outer sheath.

FIG. 17B is an elevational view of the surgical access system with theouter sheath in place within the brain.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary surgical device used forcytoreduction.

FIG. 19A is an elevational view of an exemplary manipulation member.

FIG. 19B is an elevational view of an alternative manipulation member.

FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary delivery sleevethat may be used with a surgical device.

FIG. 21A is an exemplary arrangement for a therapy delivery device.

FIG. 21B is an alternative arrangement of the therapy delivery device ofFIG. 21A.

FIG. 22 is a partially exploded view of an alternative arrangement of anilluminating ring assembly.

FIG. 23 is an elevational view of the illuminating ring assembly of FIG.22 in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 24 is a partially exploded view of the illuminating ring assemblyof FIG. 22 with an outer sheath operatively engaged therewith.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the illuminating ring assembly of FIG.22 , in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the illuminating ringassembly taken from areas 26 in FIG. 25 .

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of the illuminating ring assembly ofFIG. 22 .

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of an alternative illuminating ringassembly.

FIG. 29 is a bottom perspective view of the illuminating ring assemblyof FIG. 28 .

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an illuminating ring assembly in anassembled configuration with the other sheath.

FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the illuminating ring assembly ofFIG. 30 .

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the illuminating ring assembly of FIG.30 .

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the illuminating ring assembly of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a rear elevational view of an alternative arrangement of anilluminating ring assembly in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 35 is a front elevational view of the illuminating ring assembly ofFIG. 34 .

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the illuminating ring assembly of FIG.34 .

FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of an alternative illuminating ringassembly.

FIG. 38 is a perspective elevational view of the illuminating ringassembly of FIG. 37 .

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the illuminating ring assembly of FIG.37 , assembled in an outer sheath.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of the illuminating ring assembly taken fromarea 40 in FIG. 39 .

FIG. 41 is a plan view of the illuminating ring assembly of FIG. 37 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the discussion that follows and also to the drawings,illustrative approaches to the disclosed assemblies and methods areshown in detail. Although the drawings represent some possibleapproaches, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certainfeatures may be exaggerated, removed, or partially sectioned to betterillustrate and explain the present disclosure. Further, the descriptionsset forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit orrestrict the claims to the precise forms and configurations shown in thedrawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

Described herein is surgical access assembly, various components for usein same, and a method of using the surgical access assembly. Thecomponents disclosed herein provide surgeons with an enhanced ability tominimize trauma to the patient, while providing efficient improvedminimally invasive surgical techniques, such as, for example, duringintracranial surgical techniques.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a perspective cross-sectional view of a surgicalaccess assembly 100 is shown. In one exemplary arrangement, surgicalaccess assembly 100 comprises a hollow outer sheath 102 and aselectively removable obturator 104. As best seen in FIG. 2 , obturator104 is configured with a length that is longer than a length of outersheath 102 such that a distal end 106 of obturator 104 protrudes apredetermined distance from a distal end 108 outer sheath 102, as willbe discussed below in greater detail.

A locking member 110 may also be provided. Locking member 100 isconfigured to operatively retain a separate navigation member 112 (shownin phantom) within obturator 104, as will be discussed in greater detailbelow. A retaining member 114 may be secured within a portion ofobturator 104 to prevent locking member 110 from being completelydisengaged from obturator 104.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 , outer sheath 102 will be described ingreater detail. Outer sheath 102 is defined by distal end 108 and aproximal end 116 and includes a generally hollow body portion 118 and agrip ring 120. In one exemplary arrangement, grip portion 120 isconfigured as a ring, as illustrated in the drawings. However, it isunderstood that grip portion 120 need not be configured as a ring. Forease of explanation, grip portion 120 will be referred to hereinafter asgrip ring 120. Grip ring 120 is fixedly secured to body portion 118 atproximal end 116. In one exemplary arrangement, body portion 118 isconstructed of a clear biocompatible material that permits viewing ofnormal tissue, abnormal tissue, as well as critical structures that aredisposed outside of body portion 118 when outer sheath 102 is disposedwithin such tissue. In one exemplary arrangement, outer sheath 102 isconstructed of polycarbonate, though other biocompatible materials maybe employed, including resins.

In one exemplary configuration, an imaging mechanism may be incorporatedinto outer sheath 102 that would permit visualization of tumors,vessels, fiber tracks, fascicles and even healthy tissue, in real-time.Indeed, as will be explained in further detail below, the imagingmechanism will enable physiological functional imaging to provideinformation about the characteristics of the cortical fiber tracks to bevisible, thereby enabling a user to separate and park such fibers oneither side of outer sheath 102 rather than cutting, stretching andpotentially damaging such fibers while gaining access to a desiredlocation within the brain. Further, as will be explained in furtherdetail below, the imaging mechanism may also enable the surgeon to havereal-time information about the fiber tract and fascicle location, afterplacement of outer sheath 104, and during abnormality resectionprocedure therethrough. In addition to white matter tract imaging,mapping of the characteristics of the cerebral blood flow may beobtained.

In one exemplary embodiment, the imaging mechanism may be an ultrasoundprobe incorporated into outer sheath 102. For example, outer sheath 102may be provided with one or more channels within the wall that definesouter sheath 102 that are configured with one or more small diameterultrasound probes. In another arrangement, a single ultrasound probethat is configured to be received within outer sheath 102 may beprovided. In yet another embodiment, a low field MRI probe may beselectively placed in outer sheath 102 to provide enhanced imaging. Inyet another embodiment a low field MRI imaging coil may be molded intoor bonded into outer sheath 102. In still another exemplary arrangement,the probe may be an optical coherent tomography (OCT) imaging orspectroscopy.

Distal end 108 of outer sheath 102 may be configured with a taperedportion 130 that extends towards a center axis A-A of outer sheath 102to a distal edge 132 that surrounds an opening 134 in distal end 108 ofouter sheath 102. Tapered portion 130 serves to ease the transitionbetween outer sheath 102 and a distal tip portion 172, without drag,trauma or coring of tissue from a diameter that defines a body portion168 of obturator 104 to a diameter that defines body portion 118 ofouter sheath 102. In one exemplary configuration, distal end 108 may beconfigured with a radius or other configuration so as to create asmooth/atraumatic transition of the brain tissue when surgical accessassembly 100 is inserted into the brain.

For example, as best seen in FIG. 4B, distal edge 132 is configured soas to be non-sharpened and radiused. In one exemplary arrangement,distal edge 132 is configured as a 0.3 mm diameter radiused rim. Taperedportion 130 and radiused distal tip 132 cooperates with obturator 104 toatraumatically move tissue, as well as various structures within thebrain, including white matter, away from outer sheath 102 withoutcutting tissue or such structures. Indeed, unlike prior art devices thatinclude either a blunt tip distal end or a tapered leading edge such asthat shown in FIG. 1C, radiused distal tip 132 cooperates with taperedportion 130 and obturator 104 to prevent bruising and damage to varioustissue. More specifically, this configuration facilitates entry of outersheath 102 into delicate tissue, but without cutting such delicatetissue. Insertion of surgical access assembly 100 will be explained infurther detail below.

Body portion 118 may further be provided with a plurality of spacedapart indicators 136. Indicators 136 generally extend about thecircumference of body portion 118 and each may further incorporate asecondary indicator 138 that visually illustrates a predeterminedlocation on body portion 118, as shown in FIG. 3 . While FIG. 3illustrates four indicators 136, it is understood that body portion 118may be provided in a variety of lengths and that any number ofindicators 136 may be provided. Body portion 118 may also be providedwith a longitudinal indicator 140. More specifically, as best seen inFIG. 4A, longitudinal indicator 140 extends from proximal end 116 todistal end 108. Indicators 136, 138 and 140 may be printed onto eitheran internal or external surface of body portion 118 with an imagingvisible ink such as, for example ink containing fluro-deoxyglucose(FDG), Technicium 99, Gadolinium, titanium dust, barium sulfate, acombination of the above or other suitable imaging material. Indicators136 and 138 provide a reference point for the operator of system 100, asstructures may be visible through body portion 118. Indicator 136, 138and 140 may also be configured to be visible under MRI, CT, PET, or anyother suitable imaging modality to enable easy identification of areasof interest. In one alternative embodiment, indicators 136, 138 and/or140 may be etched or printed onto body portion 118, either on theinternal or external surface of body portion 118.

Details of grip ring 120 are best seen in FIG. 5 . Grip ring 120 isgenerally configured as a flange member 142 defined by an outerperiphery 144 and an inner opening 146. Inner opening 146 may be sizedto generally correspond to the diameter of a lumen 148 defined by bodyportion 118. Outer periphery 144 is sized to have a diameter that islarger than lumen 148 of body portion 26. Flange member 142 may furtherbe provided with one or more small openings 150 that are disposedtherein. In one exemplary arrangement, a plurality of small openings 150are provided that are spaced generally equi-distantly about inneropening 146. Small openings 150 will be described in further detailbelow. Outer periphery 144 may further be provided with a texturedsurface 152 to provide for ease of gripping outer sheath 102. Forexample, in one exemplary arrangement, textured surface 152 comprises aplurality of alternating ridges 154 and grooves 156. However, it isunderstood that other textured surfaces may be employed.

Disposed on a proximal end surface 158 of flange member 142, analignment feature 160 may be employed. Alignment feature 160 is used toindicate the location of longitudinal indicator 140 when outer sheath102 is positioned within the brain. Alignment feature 160 will bediscussed below in greater detail.

An alternative embodiment of outer sheath 202 is shown in FIGS. 6A-6B.Outer sheath 202 is similar to outer sheath 102 in that it is defined bya distal end 208, a proximal end 216 and a body portion 218. A distaledge 232 is generally configured to be similar as distal tip 132. A gripring 220 is fixedly secured to body portion 218.

Grip ring 220 also includes a textured surface 252. Grip ring 220further includes a locating member 262. Locating member 262 isconfigured to operatively connect an illumination ring (best seen inFIG. 11A) 300 to outer sheath 102. As may be seen, in one exemplaryconfiguration, locating member 262 extends outwardly from outerperiphery 244 of grip ring 220. Locating member 262 may also serve as analignment feature for indicating the location of longitudinal indicator240. Alternatively, a separate alignment feature 260 may be provided.For example, in FIG. 6B, alignment feature 260 is positioned adjacentlocating member 262.

Body portion 218 may also be provided with indicators 34, 36, and 38 toassist in locating outer sheath 202 in operation. However, in anotheralternative arrangement, body portion 218 may be provided withindicators 264 that produce a signal void or minimal artifact undercertain imaging modalities. In one specific arrangement, indicators 264may be configured as small holes that are spaced apart at predetermineddistances, as shown in FIG. 6A. In yet another alternative arrangement,indicators 264 may be configured as non-through divots. In still afurther alternative arrangement, indicators 264 may be configured as alongitudinal groove (not shown) on either the internal or externalsurface of body portion 218.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10 , obturator 104 will now be described. Obturator104 is defined by distal end 106, a proximal end 166, a body portion 168and a handle portion 170. Distal end 106 is configured with a generallyconical shaped distal tip portion 172 that tapers to a tip member 174 toprovide atraumatic dilation of tissue. In one exemplary arrangement, tipportion 172 tapers toward a closed tip member 174 so as to preventcoring of tissue as obturator 104 is inserted into the brain.

There are a number of variables that play the selection of the angle αthat defines the taper of tip portion 172. These variables include thesize of an outer diameter D1 of obturator 104, the desired length thatdistal tip portion 172 extends from body portion 168, and the desiredoffset for a distal tip of navigation member 112 and tip member 174.More specifically, it is contemplated that surgical access assembly 100will be provided as part of a kit that may include multiple sized outersheaths 102 and obturators 104, to provide the surgeon with a choice ofdifferent diameter sizes and lengths so as to provide flexibility foraccessing areas of interest within the brain. However, to insure thatthe distal tip 174 is determinable regardless of which size diameter D1of obturator 104 is used, taper angle α may be selectively adjusted. Forembodiments that utilize navigation member 112 that positions a distalend thereof at a set position within obturator 104 (as will be explainedin further detail below), to maintain an identical offset length betweenthe distal end of navigation member 112 and distal tip 174 in differentdiameter D1 sized obturators 104, taper angle α will need to beincreased, as diameter D1 increases.

For example, if diameter D1 of obturator 104 is 13.5 mm, an exemplaryangle α may be 45.5° to provide effective atraumatic dilation, as wellas a determinable distal tip 174 location. However, if diameter D1 ofobturator 104 is 15.5 mm, an exemplary angle α′ may be 52.8°.

As best seen in FIG. 8B, distal tip 174 is configured to be radiusedsuch that tip member 174 is rounded, and neither blunt, nor sharp. Morespecifically, tip member 174 is configured so as not to have any flatportions which during insertion can stretch or even tear the delicatetissues such as the vessels, fiber tracts and fascicles found in thebrain. Further, because tip member 174 is closed, damage of suchdelicate tissues and fascicles are also avoided. In one exemplaryembodiment, tip member 174 is configured with a 0.5 mm radius. As willbe explained in further detail below, the configuration of tip member174 is designed to gently displace and move the tissue into which it isinserted; i.e., atraumatically dilate the tissue to allow forintroduction in to an intra-fascilar and para-fascilar manner, asopposed to cutting tissue as surgical access assembly 100 is insertedinto the tissue.

Handle portion 170 is positioned at proximal end 166 of obturator 104.As best seen in FIGS. 7B, 8A and 9A, handle portion 170 comprises a stopmember 176 and a grip member 178. Stop member 176 is positioned distallyof grip member 178 and, as best seen in FIG. 8A, is configured to have awidth W1 that is greater than a diameter D1 of body portion 168, as wellas a diameter D2 of outer sheath 102 (shown in FIG. 4A). Grip member 178is configured with a width W2 that is greater than the width W1 of stopmember 176, thereby providing a step-like configuration. Stop member 176further defines an engagement surface 177 that is axially spaced from adistal surface 179 of grip member 178.

In one exemplary arrangement, handle portion 170 is configured with agenerally planar surface 180, as best seen in FIGS. 7A-7B and FIG. 10 .Planar surface 180 is configured with a receiving aperture 182 that isconfigured to receive locking member 110. In one exemplary arrangement,receiving aperture 182 is threaded. As best seen in FIGS. 2, 7B, and 8A,disposed within receiving aperture 182 is an engagement opening 184.Engagement opening 184 is in communication with a channel 186 (seen inphantom in FIGS. 8A and 9A) that extends at least partially thoroughhandle portion 170. After locking member 110 is at least partiallyengaged within receiving aperture 182, retaining member 114 (FIG. 2 ) ispositioned within channel 186. Because engagement opening 184 opens intoreceiving aperture 182, a portion of retaining member 114 extends acrossa portion of receiving aperture 182 such that locking member 110 isprevented from being entirely withdrawn from receiving aperture 182. Forexample, locking member 110 is illustrated as having threads thatcooperate with corresponding internal threads in receiving aperture 182.Retaining member 114 is positioned within channel 186 so as to extendabove the threads of locking member 110 such as locking member 110 isbeing removed from receiving aperture 182, threads come into contactretaining member 114, thereby preventing complete removal of lockingmember 110 from handle portion 170.

An access opening 188 is formed through proximal end 166. Access opening188 extends through handle portion 170. In one exemplary arrangement,access opening 188 may be provided with an inwardly extending chamfer189 that tapers toward access opening 188. Chamfer 189 provides aself-directing feature for inserting navigation member 112 into accessopening 188. Access opening 188 is in communication with a first channelsegment 191 that extends through handle portion 170 and into bodyportion 168.

As seen in FIG. 8D, obturator 104 may further be configured to receive aviewing member 167 operatively connected thereto. More specifically,conical tip portion 172 may be configured with one or more viewingwindows 169 that are oriented to be flush with the surface of conicaltip portion 172. Viewing windows 169 are in communication with a viewingmember channel 171 that may selectively receive a viewing member suchas, for example, a fiber optic cable or an ultrasound probe. The viewingmember may be in addition to the use of navigation member, or in placethereof. The viewing member permits the surgeon to observe, in real-time(i.e., during insertion), surrounding tissue and eloquent tissuestructures so as to minimize trauma during insertion.

Body portion 168 extends between distal end 106 and proximal end 166.Body portion 168 includes one or more elongated void areas 190. Voidareas 190 serve to reduce weight of obturator 104, thereby makingobturator 104 easier to manipulate during surgical procedures. Voidareas 190 also facilitate sterilization of obturator 104 by moistureretention within body portion 168 of obturator 104. Further, void areas190 also provide venting, thereby preventing a vacuum from beinggenerated as obturator 104 is being withdrawn from outer sheath 102during operation.

Void areas 190 are separated by web portions 192 that extend axiallythrough a portion of the length of body portion 168. Disposed on webportions 192 of body portion 168 are one or more indicators 194.Indicators 194 may include spaced apart hash marks (designated as 194A)that cooperate with an imaging modality to provide information, inreal-time, concerning the location of obturator 104 relative to varioustissue, critical structures, and fascicles within the brain, whileobturator 104 is positioned within tissue. Indicators 194 also assistwith providing information to regarding the relative positions betweenobturator 104 and outer sheath 102. Indicators 194 produce a signal voidor minimal artifact under certain imaging modalities.

Body portion 168 may further include one or more cross webs 196. Crosswebs 196 are oriented transverse to web portions 192 and connect webportions 192 together. In one exemplary arrangement, body portion 168includes at least one cross web 196 that operatively defines the outerdiameter D2 of body portion 168. Diameter D2 is sized to fit withinlumen 148 of outer sheath 102 such that obturator 104 and outer sheath102 may be selectively slid relative to one another. However, diameterD2 is also sized to minimize or even eliminate any gaps between an innersurface of outer sheath 102 and an outer surface of obturator 104. Inthe exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 7-9 , three cross webs 196A,196B and 196C are provided. A first cross web 196A is connected todistal tip portion 172, while second cross web 196B is spaced proximallyfrom first cross web 196A and separated by a void area 193. Third crossweb 196C is separated from second cross web 196B by void areas 192 andis positioned distal from first stop member 176 of handle portion 170.Cross webs 196 serve to provide for structural integrity of obturator104, as well as improved rigidity.

In one exemplary arrangement, one or more of cross webs 196 may furtherbe provided with an annular compensating protuberance 197 to accommodatefor slight manufacturing variations of the diameter of lumen 148 ofouter sheath 102. For example, as it is contemplated that outer sheath102 may be a component that is molded from a resin, a process which mayproduce such slight manufacturing variations. Compensating protuberance197 extends slightly radially outwardly from an outer surface ofobturator 104 and cooperates with lumen 148 of outer sheath 102 tocreate a friction fit between the outer surface of obturator 104 andlumen 148, due to the slight flexibility of the resin of outer sheath102. Use of compensating protuberance 197 thereby reducing the need formaintaining a high dimensional tolerance of outer sheath 102 inproduction.

In one embodiment, cross web 196B is provided with a second channelsegment 198 (shown in phantom) that extends there through. Secondchannel segment 198 is axially aligned with first channel segment 191and is configured to selectively receive navigation member 112. In oneexemplary arrangement, disposed in first cross web 196A is an inwardlyextending depression 199, as best seen in FIG. 9B. Depression 199 isconfigured in such a manner so as to align a distal tip of navigationmember 112 with distal end 108 of outer sheath 102, when outer sheath102 is assembled to obturator 104.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11F, details of an optional illuminating ring 300will now be described. Illuminating ring 300 is generally defined by atop surface portion 302, a wall member 304. A circuit board 306 may alsobe provided. Top surface 302 includes at least one access opening 308therethrough that is configured to receive one or more surgicalinstruments, as will be described below in further detail. Additionalsmall openings 309 may be provided in top surface 302. One or more ofsmall openings 309 are configured to be aligned with small openings 150disposed on flange member 142. Wall member 304 extends from top surface302 so as to create an open cavity 310 within illuminating ring 300. Anouter surface of wall member 304 may be textured (not shown), similar togrip ring 120.

One or more light elements 312 that are supported by a portion ofilluminating ring 300. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 11E, lights 312are fixedly mounted to top surface 304 so as to face inwardly towardopen cavity 310, adjacent access opening 308. Each light 312 iselectrically connected to a remote power source (not shown) by wires314. In one exemplary arrangement, wires 314 may be retained withinchannels formed in top surface 302 around access opening 308.

In an alternative arrangement (FIG. 11F), lights 312 may be incorporatedin a circuit board 306. Circuit board 306 is configured with an accessopening 316 that may be aligned with access opening 308 formed in topsurface 302. Further, circuit board 306 is also sized to be positionedwithin open cavity 310, and fixed thereto. In other words, in onearrangement, circuit board 306 is sized to have an outer diameter thatis smaller than an inner diameter defined by wall member 304. A wallopening 318 may be formed through a portion of either top surface 302 orwall member 304 to provide access for wires 320 to electrically connectcircuit board 306 to a power source. An example of wall opening 318 maybe seen in FIGS. 11B, 11D, and 11F. Circuit board 306 may be configuredsuch that there is a constant output of light when illuminating ring 300is turned on so that there is a steady state.

An exemplary circuit design 321 is depicted in FIG. 11G for circuitboard 306. In the exemplary configuration, circuit design 321 isconfigured to prevent flickering of lights 312 and/or prevent operationof less than all of the lights 312 during use of illuminating ring 300.More specifically, circuit design 321 is configured such that if onelight 312 burns out, or if batteries that supply power to circuit getlow, illuminating ring 300 will simply shut off and a replacementilluminating ring 300 may be used.

In one exemplary arrangement, lights 312 are LED lights, although otherlight devices may be utilized. LED lights do not contributesignificantly to the weight of surgical access assembly 100, and alsodissipates a non-clinical significant amount of heat. Moreover, LEDlights can emit different combinations of colors/frequencies of lightthat may be incorporated to illuminating ring 300, to provide improvedvisualization of fluorescing dyes which allow for the differentiation oftissues.

Use of LED lights also allow for an endoscope to be used with surgicalaccess assembly 100, but without an accompanying fiber-optic lightsource. This arrangement significantly reduces a required overalloutside diameter of the endoscope, which improves the working spacewithin lumen 148 of outer sheath 102. More specifically, lumen 148 ofouter sheath 102 has more available working space, thereby providingincreased simultaneous use of multiple instrumentation, as well asimproved visualization. Further, because traditional endoscope devicesmust be attached to a supporting structure that is fixed to anintroducer cannula, the weight of such an assembly tends to pull on theintroducer cannula, in one direction. This action can compromise theplacement of the introducer cannula during the procedure and/or causetrauma to brain tissue. Thus, by incorporating illuminating ring 300 toouter sheath, such potential disadvantages may be avoided.

While illuminating ring 300 may be secured to grip ring 120 of outersheath 102 in any suitable manner, in one exemplary arrangement,illuminating ring 300 is provided with a selective locking arrangementto selectively fix illuminating ring 300 to grip ring 120. In oneexemplary arrangement, wall member 304 is provided with a lockingchannel 322, best seen in FIG. 11B. Locking channel 322 comprises wallopening 318 and that opens into a first channel segment 324, and asecond channel segment 326 that is in communication with first channelsegment 324. Wall opening 318 extends from a bottom surface 328 of wallmember 304. Second channel segment 326 is spaced upwardly from bottomsurface 328 of wall member 304 and is oriented at an angle from firstchannel segment 324. In one exemplary arrangement, second channelsegment 326 is oriented 90° from first channel segment 324.

Locking channel 322 cooperates with locating member 262 to selectivelysecure illuminating ring 300 to grip ring 120. More specifically,illuminating ring 300 is pushed down over grip ring 120 with locatingmember 262 entering wall opening 318. As illuminating ring 300 is pusheddownwardly, locating member 262 travels through first channel segment324. Once locating member 262 contacts an terminal end 330 of firstchannel segment 324, illuminating ring 300 is rotated relative to outersheath 102 such that locating member 262 moves into second channelsegment 326, thereby selectively locking illuminating ring 300 to outersheath 102, as shown in FIG. 12 . Once connected, illuminating ring 300thereby provides a hands-free light source to illuminate lumen 148 ofouter sheath 102.

In one exemplary arrangement, certain segments of outer sheath 102 maybe frosted so as to reflect light to increase visualization within outersheath 102. For example, tapered portion 130 may be frosted. Similarly,the top of grip ring 120 may also be frosted.

Operation of surgical access assembly will be described in connectionwith a process flow 400 illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B. Generallyspeaking, before any surgical procedure is decided upon, a patient willfirst present with symptoms or deficits requiring evaluation. Thus, thestart of process flow 400 begins with a surgeon making a determination402 of the cause of such neurological symptoms/deficits. Such adetermination may be made through use of a variety of imagingmodalities, including, but not limited to, MRI or CT imaging. Theprocess then proceeds to step 404.

If the determination from step 402 finds that a brain condition isfound, such as a tumor or hematoma, an additional determination isrequired. More specifically, a location of the brain condition isdetermined in step 404. If the imaging determines that an area ofinterest is located in the intra-axial/subcortical space, the processflow continues to step 406. However, if a brain condition is located inother, more easily accessible areas of the brain, the process flowstops.

As discussed above, any suitable imaging modality may be utilized todetermine if a brain condition exists, and if so, where that braincondition is located. FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate examples of imagingresults from an MRI. More specifically, an area of interest 500, in thiscase a tumor, may be seen deep in the subcoritcal space.

Once area of interest 500 is located, at step 406 an additional imagingsequence is employed to determine the location of eloquent structuressuch as vessels and fiber tracts and the associated fascicles so as toplan the safest access route to the area of interest. Exemplaryarrangements for accomplishing this step include CT-Angiography and MRIwith Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) sequences. DTI allows for thedetermination of directionality as well as the magnitude of waterdiffusion along the communication “wiring” pathways called fiber tractsand fascicles. This kind of MRI imaging can provide imaging to allow forthe estimation of potential damage to nerve fibers that connect theareas of the brain which can be affected by a stroke, for example, tobrain regions that are distant from it, and can also be used tovisualize white matter fibers in the brain and can map (trace image)subtle changes in the white matter associated with diseases such asmultiple sclerosis and epilepsy, as well as assessing diseases where thebrain's wiring is abnormal, such as schizophrenia, as well as tumorinvolvement.

Diffuse Tensor Tractography (DTT) may also be used. DTT allows fornoninvasive racking of neuronal fiber projections in a living humanbrain. White matter fiber trajectories are reconstructed throughout thebrain by tracking the direction of fastest diffusion, which is assumedto correspond to the longitudinal axis of the tract. Diffusion tensortractography provides insight into white matter integrity, fiberconnectivity, surgical planning, and patients prognosis. Once theimaging information has been analyzed, the process then proceeds to step408.

Referring to FIG. 15 , an example of DTI imaging of the brain shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B is depicted. A map of fascicles and other vessels areillustrated in FIG. 15 , including major vessels 502 that are shownspread around area of interest 500. Such images provide the surgeon withvaluable information about potential avenues for access tracts to areaof interest 500.

In step 408, a plan for the operative trajectory is developed. Morespecifically, imaging information is used to plan (either manually orwith software) the access tract/pathway to achieve fiber tractinvolvement during access to the area of interest. In evaluating fibertract involvement from a potential access tract/pathway, considerationof fiber tract importance may be based on an individual patient'soccupational and personal needs and/or preference. Once a pathway hasbeen planned, the process proceeds to step 410.

In step 410, image data from the MRI/DTI and CT/CTA image sequenceobtained during step 406 is input into an intraoperative navigationsystem. Intraoperative navigation systems may be used to provide directvisualization of area of interest 500 in real time, as surgical accesssystem 100 is being positioned within the brain. The method thenproceeds to step 412

Once the procedure has been planned and the image data has been uploadedto a navigational system, step 412 requires that the appropriate sizedsurgical access assembly 100 is selected. First the appropriate size ofa craniotomy must be determined. Further, the present disclosurecontemplates that different diameter and length sizes of surgical accessassembly 100 may be employed, the size depending on the particularlocation of area of interest 500. Accordingly, step 412 requires thatthe surgeon select the appropriate length and diameter of surgicalaccess system 100 to be used, based on the physical and locationcharacteristics of the area of interest 500. Once surgical accessassembly 100 is selected, the process proceeds to step 414.

In step 414, the surgeon creates the craniotomy and Dural accessincision. The process then proceeds to step 416.

In step 416, the obturator 104 is inserted into outer sheath 102 untilgrip ring 120 abuts first stop member 176, as shown in, for example FIG.2 . Navigation member 112 is then operatively connected to obturator104.

As discussed above, various types of navigation members 112 may beemployed with surgical access assembly 100. In one exemplaryconfiguration, navigation member 112 is configured as a probe (as shownin FIG. 2 ). In this configuration, navigation member 112 is insertedthrough access opening 188 of grip member 178 until a distal tip 417 ofnavigation member 112 is deposited into depression 199 (see FIG. 9B).Depression 199 is formed so that distal tip 471 of navigation member 112is positioned within the same plane as distal tip 132 of outer sheath102, when obturator 102 and outer sheath 104 are assembled together asshown in FIG. 2 . Locking member 110 may be tightened to fixedly retainnavigation member 112 within obturator 102. A portion of navigationmember 112 will extend proximally from grip member 178 and will beoperatively connected to a navigation system that includes a screen thatvisually illustrates the information obtained from the imagingsequences, along with the trajectory of surgical access system 100.Thus, with the navigation member 112 operatively connected to anavigation system, the position of distal tip 132 of outer sheath may beindicated, in real time, while surgical access system 100 is beingnavigated within a body.

In another configuration, the software operating the navigation systemmay further be provided with an offset dimension that corresponds to adistance D3 between distal tip 174 of obturator 104 and distal tip 132of outer sheath. In this arrangement, a dotted line may appear on thenavigation screen that indicates where distal tip 174 of obturator 104is located, in real-time.

Navigation member 112 may further be provided with image guidanceposition indicators, such as an array of reflectors of the type use inconnection with optical image guidance systems. The infrared reflectorsused with such a system are mounted to a handle of a probe-likenavigation member 112 in a customary triangular configuration calibratedto identify the tool to the image guidance system. Such imaging systemsare available, for example Medtronic Surgical Navigation Technologies(Denver, Colo.), Stryker (Kalamazoo, Mich.), and Radionics (BurlingtonMass.).

Typically, the positioning of the indicators is calibrated such that theimage guidance system can project an image of the tool onto a display ofimages of the patient's brain, such as MRI images used to plan surgery.Thus, as discussed above, as surgical access system 100 is inserted, thesurgeon can see the relative position of system 100 relative to thestructures of the brain as reflected on images, and particularly withrespect to the target tissue.

Other guidance systems, such as magnetic or electromagnetic or radiotransmitting systems may also be used, and the illustration of infraredreflectors and discussion of optical image guidance systems areexemplary only and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, whilethe exemplary method has been described in connection with superimposingan image of surgical access system 100 onto a pre-operative image, it iscontemplated that real-time imaging capability may be utilized and thatthe image of surgical access system 100 may then be shown in relation tothe surrounding tissue structures on a real time image.

In another exemplary configuration, an RFID chip may be embedded inobturator 104 that operatively communicates information to a navigationsystem or other surgical system about the specific attributes, such as,but not limited to, length and diameter. This information may be used tofacilitate placement with the navigation system or other systems forinformation display or trajectory and location calculations duringplacement of obturator 104.

In yet another exemplary arrangement, as shown in FIGS. 16A-16B, analternative embodiment of an obturator 504 may be used, wherein theobturator 504 is configured with a post 512 that is configured tooperatively attach a navigation array. Post 512 may be detachably orpermanently connected to grip member 578 of obturator 104. For example,as shown in FIG. 16A, post 512 is configured to be selectivelydetachable and may be used to capture a small coil 513 for MRI trackingof surgical access assembly 100. A portion of post 512 may be threadedand an access opening 588 formed in a proximal face of grip member 578have be provided with corresponding threads (not shown) so as to affixpost 512 to obturator 504. Other manners of selectively affixing post512 to obturator 504 are also contemplated, including, but not limitedto, a locking member 110 arrangement similar that shown in FIG. 2 . Asalso discussed, post 512 need not be selectively detachable. Indeed, itis contemplated that post 512 may be permanently affixed to obturator504, in any suitable manner, whereby the navigation array may be securedto post 512. In yet another alternative arrangement, obturator 504 maybe configured such that a post, which is an element of the array itself,may be attached.

In still a further alternative arrangement, referring to FIGS. 16C-16D,a coil sensor 513′ may be configured to be disposed about an outerperiphery of post 512. In this arrangement, coil sensor 513′ is slide orotherwise mounted to post 512 such that when post 512 is operativelyattached to obturator 504 coil sensor 513′ is captured between a portionof grip member 578 and a proximal end portion 514. A connecting wire 516operatively attaches coil sensor 513′ to an image position console 518.

Once surgical access assembly 100 is assembled and operatively connectedto a navigational system, the process then proceeds to step 418, inwhich surgical access assembly 100 is navigated to area of interest 500.In one exemplary arrangement, distal tip 178 of obturator 104 isdirected to a furthermost outer margin of area of interest 500. Morespecifically, referring to FIG. 14B, for example, surgical accessassembly 100 is directed along a trajectory T that extends through areaof interest 500 to a location 501 that may positioned within the marginsof area of interest 500 or even slightly beyond the margin.

Due to the tapered configuration and closed, radiused distal tip 174 ofobturator 104, as well as the radiused distal tip 132 of outer sheath102, as surgical access assembly 100 is inserted into the brain andnavigated to area of interest 500, tissue is gently pushed to eitherside of surgical access assembly 100, so as to atraumatically dilatetissue, while minimizing trauma to the tissue. Further, because surgicalaccess assembly 100 is operatively connected to navigation member 112,as surgical access assembly 100 is being inserted into the brain tissue,navigation member 112 may cooperate with an imaging modality toproviding real-time information concerning fiber tact in trajectory T,thereby allowing the surgeon to minimize fiber tract compromise ordamage during insertion of surgical access assembly 100. Once surgicalaccess assembly 100 is positioned at area of interest 500, the processproceeds to step 420.

As step 420, navigation member 112 removed from or detached fromsurgical access assembly 100. The process then proceeds to step 422.

Once navigation member 112 is removed, outer sheath 102 is thenoperatively positioned with respect to area of interest 500. Morespecifically, as shown in FIG. 17A, outer sheath 102 is decanted withrespect to obturator 104 such that distal end 108 of outer sheath 102 ismoved toward distal end 106 of obturator 104, as indicated by arrow M.This action is accomplished by grasping grip ring 120 with one handwhile maintaining obturator 104 stationary, such, for example, graspinggrip member 178 with another hand. Grip ring 120 may be gently rotatedand/or swiveled with respect to a central axis of obturator 104 toenable outer sheath 102 to be moved distally with respect to obturator104. First stop member 176 aids in gripping and manipulating outersheath 102, in that a gap 423 (see FIG. 2 ) is created between endsurface 158 and a distal end surface of grip member 178. Outer sheath102 is decanted until grip ring 120 aligns with indicator 194A (see FIG.7A). Indicator 194A is spaced from first stop member 176 a distance thatgenerally corresponds to the length of distal tip portion 172 ofobturator 104. Accordingly, when grip ring 120 is aligned with indicator194A, distal end 108 of outer sheath 102 is aligned tip member 174 ofobturator 104. Moreover, outer sheath 102 is positioned within area ofinterest 500. The process then proceeds to step 424.

In step 424, once outer sheath 102 is appropriately positioned,obturator 104 is then removed from outer sheath 102, as shown in FIG.17B. More specifically, outer sheath 102 is maintained to be relativelystationary at area of interest 500, and obturator 104 is moved in aproximal direction until fully removed from outer sheath 102. Thisaction results in outer sheath 102 forming a pathway to area of interest500. The process then proceeds to step 426.

In step 426, outer sheath 102 is then secured in place so as to preventcranial pressure from pushing outer sheath 102 out of the brain tissue.In one exemplary arrangement, a securing member may be utilized withsmall openings 150 on grip ring 120 to temporarily secure outer sheath102. For instances where illuminating ring 300 is used with surgicalaccess assembly 100, small openings 309 in illuminating ring 300 alignwith small opening 150 of grip ring. Accordingly, securing members mayalso be utilized with small openings 309. In the alternative embodimentshown in FIGS. 22-26 , the holes 392 defined in the projections 390which extend outward from the wall members 304 of the illuminating ringcan be utilized to secure the outer sheath. However, the securing membermay be secured so as to permit a limited degree of movement, as will bediscussed below, so as to result in a floating system that permitsselective repositioning. Suitable retaining members include, but are notlimited to, bridle sutures, flexible bands with retaining hooks, or evenrepositionable retractor arms. Once outer sheath 102 is secured, theprocess then proceeds to step 428.

In step 428, debulking area of interest 500 may be conducted.Traditionally, a patient is given medication, such as, for example,Mannitol, before an intracranial operation to reduce intracranialpressure (ICP) of the brain prior to the surgery. Indeed, ICP is oftenexperienced by patients due to the natural response of the craniotomyand/or the present of an abnormality within the brain. The presentinventors have found that it may be advantageous to omit or minimize theuse of medication for reducing ICP. More specifically, but not reducingIPC, because the brain tends to occupy the available space within theskull, after obturator 104 is removed from outer sheath 102, the targettissue may have a tendency to flow into, and present itself into theopen distal end 108 of outer sheath 102, due to the cranial pressure.Area of interest 500 may actually move into outer sheath 102 on its own,thereby assisting in delivery and minimizing manipulation required ofouter sheath 102 during the process.

It is contemplated that a wide range of surgical devices may be insertedinto outer sheath 102 to remove tissue abnormalities. In one exemplaryarrangement, it is contemplated that outer sheath 102 may have an innerdiameter up to approximately 20 mm, to allow multiple instruments, suchas graspers, dissectors, scissors, cautery and suction instruments to beinserted through outer sheath 102 to perform surgery.

One exemplary surgical device that may be used is the NICO MYRIAD®manufactured and distributed by Nico Corporation of Indianapolis, Ind.Referring to FIG. 18 , an exemplary surgical cutting device 640 isshown, such as that disclosed in co-pending, and co-owned with theassignee of the present application, U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/389,447, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Surgical cutting device 640 includes a handpiece 642 and acutting element that includes an outer cannula 644 and an inner cannula(not shown). In one exemplary configuration, handpiece 642 is configuredwith a generally cylindrical shape. Handpiece 642 may be sized andshaped to be grasped with a single hand. Handpiece 642 also includes alower housing 650 comprising a proximal section 646 and a distal section648. A front housing section 655 may be connected to a cam housingpositioned in distal section 648. An upper housing 652 is also provided.The cutting element is mounted to upper housing 652 and may be fluidlyconnected to a tissue collector 658. In one exemplary arrangement,tissue collector 658 may be operatively connected directly to upperhousing 652. Alternatively, tissue collector 658 may be remotelyconnected to the cutting element by appropriate tubing. A vacuum line(not shown) may be connected to a proximal end of tissue collector 658to direct tissue into the cutting element, as well as to deliver severedtissue to tissue collector 658. A rotation dial 660 for selectivelyrotating the outer cannula 644 with respect to handpiece 642 is alsomounted to upper housing 652, to provide controlled cutting action.

Use of surgical device 640 is advantageous in that space is limited toeffectuate tissue debulking, such that use of traditional surgicalscissors may be challenging, especially when other instruments areinserted into outer sheath 102 simultaneously. Moreover, fibrosity of atumor may present challenges for the use traditional suction debulkingdevices. Traditional graspers operate by tearing tissue of interest.However, the tearing action may become problematic if vessels orfascicles are too close to the tissue being torn in that such vessels orfascicles may also be torn.

In step 428, as area of interest 500 is cytoreductively debulked, it maybecome necessary to reposition or move outer sheath 102. Ifrepositioning is necessary, the process moves to step 432. To that end,in one exemplary arrangement, manipulation members may be provided.Examples of manipulation members 700 and 700′ are illustrated in FIGS.19A-19B. Manipulation member 700 comprises a handle member 702 thatsupports an armature 704, and a hook element 706 that extends fromarmature 704. Hook element 706 is sized to fit within small openings 150and 309 disposed within grip ring 120 and illuminating ring 300,respectively. In the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-27 , thehook element 706 fits within small openings 388 in the exterior face 394of the housing 380. In operation, hook element 706 is engaged with asmall opening 150/309/388 and handle member 702 is used to gently pushor pull outer sheath 102. Because outer sheath 102 is only looselysecured, outer sheath 102 may be selectively moved slightly for improvedvisualization or to access tissue. After outer sheath 102 has beenrepositioned, or if repositioning of outer sheath 102 is not necessary,the process moves to step 434, and cytoreduction of area of interest 500continues.

In an alternative arrangement, manipulation member 700′ may be securedto a flexible holder member 710. Manipulation member 700′ comprises anarmature 712 that carries a hook element 714 and an engagement portion716. Engagement portion 716 operatively engages holder member 710 so asto fixedly secure manipulation member 700′ to holder member 710, therebyfreeing a surgeon's hand, once outer sheath 102 is positioned. It isunderstood that multiple manipulation members 700/700′ may be utilizedto permit a surgeon to selectively push or pull outer sheath 102.

Outer sheath 102 is configured such that multiple instruments may beinserted simultaneously therewithin, thereby increasing the speed andsafety of surgical procedures. In one exemplary arrangement, anendoscope may be partially inserted and held to one side of outer sheath102, to provide an image of area of interest 500 to a monitor, while asurgical instrument, such as surgical instrument 640 is also insertedwithin outer sheath 102. Illuminating ring 300 may also be used, withthe endoscope and the surgical instrument being inserted through accessopening 308 that aligns with opening 146 of grip ring 120. Becauseilluminating ring 300 provides the necessary light for outer sheath 102,a relatively small diameter endoscope may be used, thereby increasingthe available space within outer sheath 102 for other surgicalinstruments. In another exemplary configuration, the surgeon may haveboth a surgical instrument and a cautery instrument simultaneouslyinserted into outer sheath 102, thereby permitting the surgeon tocauterized vessels that are encountered during the procedure.

In another exemplary arrangement, during the procedure, fluorescing dyemay be introduced into the patient, either before surgery or during thesurgery. One such dye is Glioan (5-Aminolevulinic Acid), however othersuitable dyes may also be used. The fluorescing dye may be introduced byany suitable methods, including, but not limited to, injecting thepatient with the dye, providing the dye orally to the patient prior tosurgery, or even injecting the dye in situ through outer sheath 102. Inone exemplary arrangement, the dye is configured to bond to proteins ofabnormal cells such that the cells are visually distinguishable fromhealthy cells. With this visual indication of healthy vs. abnormaltissue, the surgical instrument may be more efficiently used to resectabnormal tissue. In other embodiments, light delivered through outersheath 102 has a predetermined wavelength that is configured to interactwith the dye to illuminate or fluoresce abnormal tissue. For example,illumination cap 300 may be provided with LED lights of a preselectedwavelength that operatively interacts with a preselected dye toilluminate abnormal tissue and assist with differentiating healthytissue from diseased tissue.

In another exemplary configuration, a light probe or fiber optic bundle(not shown) may be inserted into outer sheath 102 to assist withdifferentiation between healthy tissue and abnormal tissue. In onearrangement, the probe/bundle is simply inserted into outer sheath 102as a separate element, along with a surgical device. The probe/bundle isoperatively connected to a console such that the reflected light isdelivered to the console. A sensor in the console (i.e., the sensor isremotely located from the point of detection, receives the reflectedlight to trigger a signal to the user based on predetermined parameters.In other words, the natural florescence of the tissue is then reflectedback to the console to inform the user whether or not the tissue isdiseased or abnormal.

In another exemplary configuration, the surgical device may be furtherprovided with a delivery sleeve 800 that mounts to surgical device 640,and example of which may be found in FIG. 20 . Various embodiments ofdelivery sleeve 800 may be found in co-pending, and co-owned with theassignee of the present application, U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/269,339, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in itsentirety. As may be seen in FIG. 20 , delivery sleeve 800 generallyincludes at least two lumens, a first lumen 802 which is configured toreceive outer cannula 644 of surgical device 640, and a second lumen 804which is configured to receive an optical device, such as a light probeor a fiber optic bundle (not shown). Use of this arrangement permits useof additional surgical tools/instruments within outer sheath 102. Morespecifically, as the optical device is supported within the deliverysleeve 800, which, in turn, is connected to the surgical device, thesurgeon can simultaneously differentiate between abnormal and healthytissue, and resect tissue, all with by just holding the surgical device640. As a result, the surgeon may also choose to utilize a separatecautery device within outer sheath 102 to permit cauterization of anyvessels during the resection, in real time, and without requiringremoval of the surgical device 640.

Because outer sheath 102 may be directly positioned at area of interest500 in such a manner as to avoid unnecessary damage to criticalstructures, and because surgical device 640 may be placed directly atthe sight of area of interest, utilizing surgical access system 100provides the ability to resect most of an area of interest 500, such asa tumor. As one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, the morethat a tumor is resected and removed, the less adjuvant therapy isrequired for treatment. In other words, the more diseased tissue thereis resected, the less diseased tissue there is to destroy.

Once a cytoreductive resection of area of interest 500 has beencompleted, the process then proceeds to step 436. In step 436 a decisionis made to either remove outer sheath 102 or to leave outer sheath 102in position. More specifically, for some therapy applications removal ofouter sheath 102 may be more effective than leaving outer sheath inplace to deliver the therapy. If the decision is made to remove outersheath 102, after removal of outer sheath 102, the process 400 proceedsto step 438.

As one of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, the naturalelasticity of brain tissue will maintain access or a corridor to area ofinterest 500 for a period of time. In step 438, while the corridor isstill intact after removal of outer sheath 102, in one exemplaryarrangement, a delivery device may be inserted into the corridor todeliver irrigation to the surgical site. In some instances, a syringemay be inserted into the corridor to deliver an irrigating fluid, suchas saline directly to the surgical site. In another exemplaryconfiguration, a drainage catheter (which is configured with a pluralityof small openings at its distal end) is delivered into the corridor suchthat the distal end of the catheter is placed at or adjacent thesurgical site. Irrigating fluid is then introduced into the proximal end(such, as for example, by operatively attaching a syringe barrel to theproximal end), to deliver the irrigating fluid to the surgical site. Theirrigating fluid flushes out debris and assists in the brain tissue'snatural tendency to close back in on itself. Once the surgical site hasbeen irrigated, it may also be desirable to deliver certain therapies tothe surgical site. For example, certain therapies that may be providedin liquid form may be directly injected through the corridor, just priorto the tissue closing back in on itself. Because the corridor isclosing, the therapy will be held in place at the surgical site, therebyincreasing its effectiveness at the site and surrounding tissue.

In some therapy methodologies, outer sheath 102 may be necessary to aidin the delivery and/or placement of such therapy, as will be explainedin further detail below. Accordingly, if the decision in step 436 ismade to keep outer sheath 102 in place after completion ofcytoreduction, the process 400 proceeds to step 442.

In step 442, area of interest/surgical site 500 is irrigated to againremove any debris from the area. Irrigation may be performed in the samemanner as discussed in step 438, except through outer sheath 102. Onceirrigation is complete, the process proceeds to step 444.

In step 444 a therapy is delivered to area of interest 500. In oneexemplary configuration, intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) may beemployed, so as to deliver therapy directly to area of interest 500through outer sheath 102. In one exemplary configuration, an implantabletherapy may be applied to area of interest 500. Example of animplantable therapy include: bioabsorbable radiation pellets, wafers ormesh, such as, for example, those manufactured by Nano-Rad LLC. Otherexamples include, but are not limited to, titanium capsules or seedswith radiation contents, bioabsorbable gels or foams that containradioactive, chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents.

In another exemplary configuration, a balloon catheter may be used toperform brachytherapy following the removal of diseased tissue at areaof interest 500. For example, a balloon catheter may be inserted throughouter sheath 102 and delivered to area of interest, and then the ballooncatheter may be inserted with a predetermined amount of radioactivesolution followed by the delivery of radiation to the surroundingtissues. A commercially available catheter that may be used includes theGliaSite balloon catheter, with an Iotrex radioactive solution. Use of aballoon catheter may provide a more targeted delivery of liquidradiation, thereby reducing impact on brain tissues surrounding thediseased tissue.

In another exemplary arrangement, an electron beam driven X-ray sourcemay be provided. One such exemplary configuration is the ZeissINTRABEAM®. The electrons are generated and accelerated in a main unitand travel via an electron beam drift tube which is surrounded by aconical applicator sheath such that its tip lies at an epicenter of anapplicator sphere to provide a point source of low energy X-rays at thetip. With this configuration, a nearly isotropic field of low energy isemitted.

In operation, the applicator sheath is inserted through outer sheath 102and into the surgical cavity at area of interest 500. An intraoperativeultrasound may be performed to determine the distance of the applicatorsurface to the skin, to avoid significant skin doses. The applicatorsheath may be secured into place by the surgeon using subcutaneoussutures around the neck of the sphere, similar to that described abovein connection with outer sheath 102.

In another exemplary arrangement, a photodynamic therapy may be used,whereby a predetermined chemical composition may be provided to thepatient and the chemical composition may be selectively activated by apredetermine wavelength, thereby achieving a therapeutic reaction. Forexample, in one exemplary configuration, illuminating ring 300 may beturned on to achieve the therapeutic reaction. In another exemplaryconfiguration, a light source, such as, for example, a fiber opticbundle, may be directed through outer sheath 102, either directlythrough outer sheath 102 or through delivery sleeve 800.

In yet another exemplary configuration, external beam high frequencyultrasound or interstitial high frequency ultrasound may also bedelivered through outer sheath 102 and directly to area of interest 500.

In yet a further exemplary configuration, as show in FIGS. 21A-21B, animplantable delivery device 900/900′ may be provided. Implantabledelivery device 900/900′ includes a neck portion 902 that is connectedto a body portion 904/904′. Both neck portion 902 and body portion904/904′ may be constructed of a relatively soft and flexible material.Body portion 904/904′ defines a reservoir for holding a therapeuticagent therein. A proximal end 905 of neck portion 902 is largely closed,with access to an interior of implantable delivery device 900/900′ beingproviding by a luer port 906. More specifically, therapy agents areintroduced into delivery device 900/900′ through luer port 906. Asealing flange 908 may further be provided, that operatively connectsthe neck portion 902 to assist in holding implantable delivery device900/900′ in place within the brain.

In the arrangement show in FIG. 21A, body portion 904 may be providedwith at least one small opening 910. In one exemplary arrangement, aplurality of small openings 910 are provided, and such openings may bespaced equi-distance from one another about the periphery of bodyportion 904. Small openings 910 are configured to permit the therapyagent that is introduced through luer port 906 to weep out of thereservoir formed by body portion 904 at a controlled rate to increaseeffectiveness. Alternatively, body portion 900 may be configured as apermeable membrane that permits slow and controlled passage of therapyfrom the reservoir to the brain tissue 1000.

In an alternative arrangement shown in FIG. 21B, body portion 904′ maybe provided with flexible finger-like projections 912. In one exemplaryconfiguration, projections 912 are spaced equi-distance from one anotherabout the periphery of body portion 904′. Projections 912 extendoutwardly from an outer periphery of body portion 904′ and may be formedwith channels that provide communication between the reservoir and smallopenings 914 configured at distal tips 916 of projections 912. Openings914 are configured to permit the therapy agent that is introducedthrough luer port 906 to weep out of the reservoir. Projections 914assist in frictionally retaining delivery device 900′ at a target site.

Referring back to process 400, if delivery device 900/900′ is employed,delivery device 900/900′ is inserted at area of interest 500 throughouter sheath 102. Once positioned, outer sheath 102 is removed, andsealing flange 908 is operatively connected to neck portion 902 suchthat luer port 906 is accessible. Sealing flange 908 is configured toextend over the periphery of the surgical access opening that was formedthrough the skull 102, thereby providing protection for the exposedbrain tissue 1000. The therapeutic agent may be supplied to thereservoir formed by body portion 904/904′ either before delivery device900/900′ is positioned at area of interest 500, or after sealing flange908 is in place. Sealing flange 908, as well as body portion 904/904′and neck portion 902 may be configured with flexible material to allowfor sealing against the dura and bone of the brain.

In yet another alternative arrangement involving delivery device900/900′, a transfer material may be delivered through outer sheath 102,similar to a foam that is configured to conform to the cytoreducted areaof interest 500. The foam will allow continuous contact with the therapyagent that weeps through body portion 904/904′ to provide a controlleddosage of therapy to area of interest 500.

After surgery and therapy on the target tissue is complete, the processproceeds to step 446. In this step, the instruments used for surgeryand/or therapy are removed from outer sheath 102. As the target tissueis removed, brain tissue will fill the void formed by removing area ofinterest 500 so that healthy brain tissue underlying the now removedtarget tissue is adjacent the end of outer sheath 102. Outer sheath 102is then gently removed and the brain tissue will naturally fill andreclaim the space formerly occupied by the abnormality and outer cannula102, aided by the irrigation of area of interest 500. Moreover, as thebrain tissue reclaims the space formerly occupied by the abnormality andouter cannula 102, implanted therapies, such as, for example,bioabsorbable radiation pellets, wafers or mesh, will be held in placeby area of interest 500 to provide effected treatment. While thisprocess may take several minutes, it is relatively atraumatic. Onceouter sheath 102 has been removed, the process continues to step 448,whereby the dura, skull and scalp are then closed in a known manner andthe process ends. In the exemplary cases whereby a treatment device maybe implanted, full reclaiming of the space is delayed due to the implantuntil implant is explanted or absorbed.

Because the location of the area of interest will vary from patient topatient, in one exemplary arrangement, it is contemplated that surgicalaccess system 100 will be provided as part of a kit. More specifically,it is contemplated that a set of multiple obturators 104 may be providedthat have different lengths and/or diameters. The set may be provided ina container that is configured be sterilized, with obturators 104secured therein. It is also contemplated that a set of manipulationtools 700/700′ may also be provided with the kit, and that manipulationtools 700/700′ may be positioned within the container for selectivesterilization. Outer sheath 102 may be provided with the kit, in variouslengths and diameters that correspond to the lengths and diameters ofobturators 104 provided in the kit. However, in one exemplaryarrangement, outer sheaths 104 are provided separately as single usedevices, in sterilized pouches.

Alternative embodiments of illuminating ring assemblies will now bediscussed. A first alternative embodiment of an illuminating ringassembly 1300, as well as securing arrangements operable to secureilluminating ring assembly 1300 to a grip ring, such as grip ring 120 ofouter sheath 102, is shown in FIGS. 22 through 27 . In one exemplaryarrangement, as shown in FIG. 22 , illuminating ring assembly 1300 isdefined by a housing 1304 having a wall member 1305 and a cover (bestseen in FIG. 27 ). A light member 1303 is positioned within housing1304. Housing 1304 (and light member 1303) further includes an opening1307 therethrough that is configured to receive medical instrumentstherein, as described above. Extending outwardly from a bottom surfaceof wall member 1305 is a securing member 1346. A positioning member 1348that also extends outwardly from a bottom surface of wall member 1305may be provided. In one exemplary configuration, wall member 1305 isprovided with one or more protrusions 1342, 1344 that extend radiallyoutwardly from a periphery of wall member 1304 upon which securingmember 1346 and positioning member 1348 may be mounted. Protrusions1342, 1344 may be located opposite one, although other convenientarrangements are also contemplated.

Illuminating ring assembly 1300 further includes a selectively closableattachment mechanism 1350. In one exemplary configuration, attachmentmechanism 1350 is a hinged attachment mechanism, as may be seen in FIG.22 , for example. However, it is understood that other attachmentmechanisms may be employed and are contemplated by the scope of thisdisclosure. With respect to attachment mechanism 1350 in FIG. 22-27 ,hinged attachment mechanism 1350 may include a centrally located hingemember 1356 and two arms 1358, 1360 positioned on either side of hinge1356. Each arm 1358, 1360 is defined by first and second ends, 1322 a,1322 b and 1324 a, 1324 b, respectively.

In embodiment shown, second end 1324 a of arm 1358 has a latchingmechanism 1352 to attach second end 1324 a of arm 1358 to second end1324 b of arm 1360. In one exemplary arrangement, arm 1360 (i.e., thearm without latching mechanism 1352) may, depending on configuration oflatching mechanism 1352, be configured with a latching recess 1354configured to receive a portion of latching mechanism 1352. Morespecifically, in one exemplary arrangement, latching recess 1354 isconfigured to accept a protuberance 1372 that is disposed on latchingmechanism 1352. Recess 1354 may be defined by a forward edge 1355 with arounded lip.

Latching mechanism 1352 may further include an actuating end 1327 and apivot member 1370. Pivot member 1370 serves to mount latching mechanism1352 to second end 1324 a of arm 1358. Operation of latching mechanism1352 will be described below in further detail.

Hinged attachment mechanism 1350 has two sides, an obverse side 1364 anda reverse side, opposite thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 23 , thereverse side is configured to abut at least a bottom surface 1309 ofilluminating ring assembly 1300. In one embodiment, hinged attachmentmechanism 1350 further includes a mounting cavity (not shown) that isconfigured so as to accept positioning member 1348 therein.Alternatively, a cavity may be located elsewhere on hinged attachmentmechanism 1350.

Hinged attachment mechanism 1350 is configured such that second ends1324 a, 1324 b of arms 1358, 1360 are selectively rotatable toward oneanother. Further, in one exemplary arrangement, when positioning member1348 is positioned within the cavity of hinged attachment mechanism1350, arms 1350, 1360 may be selectively rotated around positioningmember 1348. More specifically, arms 1358, 1360 may be rotated in such away that second ends 1324 a, 1324 b of arms 1358, 1360 are rotatedtoward securing member 1346.

In one exemplary arrangement, second ends 1324 a, 1324 b of arms 1358,1360 may each be configured with complementary depressions 1366, 1368(best seen in FIG. 22 ). Depression 1366, 1368 are oriented toward oneanother when arms 1358, 1360 are rotated together so as to define asecuring hole 1325 (see FIG. 23 ) that is configured to accept a portionof securing member 1346. More specifically, securing hole 1325 isconfigured to be substantially the size and shape of securing member1346, best seen in FIGS. 23, 24, and 26 .

As shown in FIG. 23 , when second ends 1324 a, 1324 b of arms 1358, 1360of hinged attachment mechanism 1350 are brought together, the secondends 1324 a, 1324 b may be locked together by latching mechanism 1352.When second ends 1324 a, 1324 b of arms 1358, 1360 of hinged attachmentmechanism 1350 are brought toward one another, a forward edge ofprotuberance 1372 on latching mechanism 1352 is forced upward from aneutral position by forward edge 1355 of recess 1354 until protuberance1372 passes over forward edge 1355 of recess 1354 and comes to rest inrecess 1354, thus locking arms 1358, 1360 in position.

In one exemplary arrangement, second ends 1324 a, 1324 b may furtherinclude cooperating indentations 1374 a, 1374 b. Indentations 1374 a,1374 b are configured to cooperate to define a locking member recess1375 (see, e.g., FIG. 23 ) when second ends 1324 a, 1324 b are lockedtogether, as will be explained below.

In operation, illumination ring assembly 1300 is mounted onto grip ring120 of outer sheath 102. More specifically, wall member 1305 of housing1304 of illumination ring assembly 1300 is sized to receive grip ring120 therein, as shown in FIG. 24 , for example. Hinged attachmentmechanism 1350 is mounted onto housing 1304 such that positioning member1348 is received within the mounting cavity of hinge member 1356. Firstand second arms 1358, 1360 are pivoted about hinge member 1356 andsecond ends 1324 a, 1324 b are brought together, as shown in FIG. 25 .As may be seen, depressions 1366, 1368 are also brought together to formsecuring hole 1325 around securing member 1346 such that securing member1346 is captured within securing hole 1325. Locking member recess 1375is also formed by second ends 1324 a, 1324 b as those ends cometogether. Locking member recess 1375 is configured to receive a locatingmember 1362 of grip ring 120 (see FIG. 26 ) to ensure proper assembly ofhinged attachment mechanism 1350 to housing 1304.

Once second ends 1324 a, 1324 b are brought together, locking mechanism1352 is actuated with protuberance 1372 engaging recess 1354, therebysecuring housing 1304 to grip ring 120, as shown in FIG. 25 . Thus, gripring 120 of outer sheath 102 may be secured to illuminating ringassembly 1300 by hinged attachment mechanism 1350, which is configuredso that, when hinged attachment mechanism 1350 is in place and arms1358, 1360 are brought together and locked in position, an innercircumference of hinged latching mechanism 1350 frictionally engagesgrip ring 120 and holds grip ring 120 in place to housing 1304.

As shown in FIG. 27 , housing 1380 of illuminating ring assembly 1300has a cover 1380 that defines an exterior face 1394. A central opening1395 is formed through cover 1380. Opening 1395 is configured to providecommunication with an inner lumen of outer sheath 102 so as to permitone or more medical devices to be inserted therein.

In one exemplary arrangement, cover 1380 may be configured with one ormore notches 1382. Each notch 1382 is configured to extend from innerperimeter 1386 of opening 1395 to an outer perimeter 1384 of wall member1305. In one exemplary arrangement, inner perimeter 1386 of cover 1380includes a beveled entry surface 1386 a (best seen in FIG. 27 ) thatjoins an inner periphery surface 1386 b that defines opening 1395. Inthis arrangement, ends of each notch 1382 at an edge of inner perimeterentry surface 1386 a, notches 1382 may be tapered slightly outwardly.Inner periphery surface 1386 b may further include notches 1389 that arealigned with notches 1382. Notches 1389 may be configured to taperinwardly in a V-shape along inner periphery 1386 b. When aligned, eachnotch 1382 serves to receive and selectively retain a string or cordfrom a Neuro Pattie, other absorbent surgical sponge or other object tobe temporarily positioned within outer sheath 102. The outwardly taperednotch ends of notches 1382 allow for some flexibility in movement of thestring or cord while in the outer sheath 102.

In one exemplary arrangement, notches for retaining a Neuro Pattie, orthe like, may be formed in an upper surface of grip ring 120 for thoseembodiments where no light illuminating ring assembly 1300 are utilized.Details of this configuration are further discussed in co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/786,062.

In addition to notches 1382, a multiplicity of small openings 1388 mayalso be formed in housing 1380. Openings 1388 may be spacedequidistantly around inner perimeter 1386 of opening 1395 of housing1380. In one exemplary configuration, openings 1388 may extendcompletely through external face 1394. In another exemplary arrangement,openings 1388 may extend only partially into external face 1394, but notentirely through external face 1394. A manipulation member, such as thatillustrated in FIGS. 19A-19B, may be engaged with small openings 1388and used to gently adjust the location of outer sheath 102. In yetanother alternative arrangement, one or more radial projections 1390 mayextend radially outwardly away from wall member 1305 of housing 1380. Inone arrangement, projections 1390 may be equally spaced around wallmember 1305 of housing 1380. Each projection 1390 may define a smallhole 1392. Retaining members (not shown) may extend through small holes1392 to loosely secure outer sheath 102 in place once outer sheath 102is positioned within a patient. Suitable retaining members include, butare not limited to, bridle sutures, flexible bands with retaining hooks,or repositionable retractor arms.

An alternative exemplary arrangement of illuminating ring 1400 is shownin FIGS. 28-29 . Illuminating ring 1400 has a selectively flexible wallmember 1404 that further includes a first circumferential edge 1406(best seen in FIG. 27 ). A second circumferential edge 1408 may bedisposed opposite to first circumferential edge 1406. A cover 1420 isconnected to the wall member 1404. As may be seen in FIG. 29 , wallmember 1404 serves to define a cavity 1410 into which grip ring 120 maybe received, as will be explained below in further detail.

Cover 1420 includes a generally central opening 1468 therethrough. Aninner wall member 1460 extends between an inner perimeter of cover 1420thereby defining an access opening configured to receive one or moresurgical instruments. In one exemplary arrangement, a top portion ofinner wall member 1460 may be beveled inwardly so as to direct surgicalinstruments and other items introduced through opening 1468.

Disposed within cavity 1410 is at least one locating member 1412.Locating member 1412 extends from an inner surface of cover 1420, so asto extend substantially perpendicularly therefrom. Each locating member1412 has an inside surface 1442 and an outside surface 1444. Locatingmembers 1412 are configured to accept a radial portion of an outsideperimeter of a grip ring 120 attached to an outer sheath 102. In oneexemplary arrangement, locating members 1412 are arranged in an opposingmanner.

One or more retaining tabs 1416 extend radially inward into cavity 1410from first edge 1406 of wall member 1404. In one exemplary arrangement,retaining tabs 1416 are configured to be arranged in a generallyperpendicular direction from wall member 1404. Each of the retainingtabs 1416 may further include a lip 1424 extending from tab 1416 towardthe center of cavity 1410, as will be explained in further detail below.In one exemplary arrangement, two retaining tabs 1416 are provided,which may be arranged in an opposing manner, as illustrated in FIG. 29 .

As best seen in FIGS. 28-29 , one or more gripping areas 1418 may bedisposed on the outer perimeter of wall member 1404. Gripping areas 1418may have a textured surface, such as, for example, alternating grooves1434 and ridges 1436 disposed thereon. In one exemplary arrangement, twogripping areas 1418 are disposed opposite one another on wall member1404. In one exemplary arrangement, tabs 1416 and gripping areas 1418are arranged in an alternating manner. Wall member 1404 is sufficientlyflexible such that when gripping areas 1418 are biased toward oneanother, wall member 1404 flexes, causing tabs 1416 to flex upwardly.Tabs 1416 may be flexed a sufficient amount to allow the outer perimeterof grip ring 120 to be positioned between lips 1424 of tabs 1416. Gripring 120 may then be introduced to cavity 1410 defined by wall member1404, and positioned adjacent inner surface of cover 1420. Insidesurface 1442 of the at least one locating member 1412 may be positionednearly adjacent the outer perimeter of grip ring 1426, thereby servingto properly position grip ring 1426. Once grip ring 1426 is properlypositioned, gripping areas 1418 may be released to their unbiasedpositions, thereby releasing tabs 1416 to their original positions. Whentabs 1416 return to the original positions, lips 1424 extend asufficient amount over a bottom edge of grip ring 1426 to prevent gripring 1426 from being easily removed from illuminating ring 1400, therebysecuring grip ring 1426 in place.

Illuminating ring 1400 may further include a plurality of openings 1448in inside surface of cover 1420. A plurality of light elements (notshown) may be disposed in alignment with openings 1448. Light elementsmay be incorporated into a circuit board (not shown), which circuitboard may be generally ring-shaped, and configured to fit within outerperimeter of wall member 1404. Light elements and circuit board may bedisposed between inside surface of cover 1420 and a top portion 1430 ofilluminating ring 1400. Wires (not shown) may extend from circuit boardthrough openings (not shown) in wall member 1404 or top portion 1430,and be electrically connected to a remote power source.

Illuminating ring 1400 may also have one or more retaining elements 1452extending radially outward from wall member 1404. In one exemplaryarrangement, retaining elements 1452 extend radially outward fromadjacent to first circumferential edge 1406 of wall member 1404.Retaining elements 1452 may each define a small hole 1454. Suitableretaining members may extend through small holes 1454 in the pluralityof retaining elements 1452, and loosely attach illuminating ring 1400 toa surface. Suitable retaining members include, but are not limited to,bridle sutures, flexible bands with retaining hooks, or repositionableretractor arms.

At least one notch 1456 may extend from an outer perimeter to the innerperimeter of cover 1430. The at least one notch 1456 may be configuredso to accept and selectively retain a string or cord from a Neuro Pattieor other absorbent surgical sponge with an attached string or cord, asdescribed above in connection with FIG. 27 .

At least one small opening 1470 may be disposed on cover 1430. The atleast one small opening 1470 may be configured to accept a portion of amanipulation member. Examples of manipulation members 700, 700′ areillustrated in FIGS. 19A-19B. A hook element 706 of manipulation member700, 700′ may engage with small opening 1470, and handle 702 ofmanipulation member 700, 700′ may be manipulated to gently repositionilluminating ring 1400 and outer sheath (not shown).

Another alternative arrangement of an illuminating ring assembly 1500 isshown in FIGS. 30-33 . Illuminating ring assembly 1500 is similar toilluminating ring assembly 1300 shown in FIG. 22 . Illuminating ringassembly 1500 includes a housing 1504 comprising a wall member 1505 anda cover 1530. Wall member 1504 extends around the outer perimeter ofilluminating ring 1500 and extends downwardly from cover 1530 to definea generally circular cavity. A light member 1503 is positioned withinthe cavity formed by housing 1504. Light member 1503 may be configuredas a substantially planar ring, wherein an outer perimeter of lightmember 1503 fits within the cavity defined by wall member 1504.

Housing 1504 (and light member 1503) further includes an opening 1507therethrough that is configured to receive medical instruments therein,as described above. Extending outwardly from a bottom surface of wallmember 1505 is a securing member 1546. In one exemplary configuration,wall member 1505 may be provided with one or more protrusions 1542, 1544(best seen in FIG. 33 ) that extend radially outwardly from a peripheryof wall member 1504 upon which securing member 1546 may be mounted.While not shown, it is understood that a positioning member similar tothat shown in FIG. 22 and described above, may also be provided.Protrusions 1542, 1544 may be located opposite one another, althoughother arrangements are also contemplated.

Illuminating ring assembly 1500 further comprises a spring clamp 1502that may be selectively secured to wall member 1504. Spring claim 1502may be configured as a unitary member, as illustrated in FIG. 33 .Spring clamp 1502 may further include a first and a second grippingportion 1506, 1509, an attachment portion 1543, and finger rests 1508,1510. At least one opening (not shown) may be formed on an end face ofattachment portion 1543 of spring clamp 1502. The opening is configuredto selectively receive securing member 1546 to secure spring clamp 1502to housing member 1504.

First and second gripping portions 1506, 1509 are disposed substantiallyopposite one another. First gripping portion 1506 has a face surface1536, and second gripping portion 1509 has a face surface 1538. Facesurfaces 1536, 1538 of gripping portions 1506, 1509 may face oneanother. Attachment portion 1543 may be disposed on the anterior surface1552 of first gripping portion 1506.

Finger rests 1508, 1510 are disposed substantially opposite one another,and each finger rest 1508, 1510 is disposed between first and secondgripping portions 1506, 1509. As shown in FIG. 32 , first grippingportion 1506 has two arms 1512, 1513, each extending from first grippingportion 1506 to one of finger rests 1508, 1510. Second gripping portion1509 also has two arms, 1514, 1515, each extending from second grippingportion 1509 to one of finger rests 1508, 1510. The portion of each arm1512, 1513, 1514, 1515 adjacent the gripping portion 1506, 1509 ofspring clamp 1502 may be configured so as to accommodate grip ring 120therein. Each arm 1512, 1513, 1514, 1515 may have sufficient flexibilityto allow it to deviate from its usual configuration so as to allowgripping portions 1506, 1509 to move apart from one another in responseto finger rests 1508, 1510 being biased toward one another to facilitateengagement and disengagement of spring clamp 1502, housing 1504 and gripring 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 33 , face surfaces 1536, 1538 of grippingportions 1506, 1509 may be configured with sufficient curvature to allowthem to accommodate a portion of a grip ring 120 of an outer sheath 102(as best shown in FIG. 31 ). Face surfaces 1536, 1538 may have ridges1516 and grooves 1518 disposed on them, which ridges 1516 and grooves1518 may be configured in such a way frictionally engage ridges andgrooves that may be disposed on grip ring 120. In one exemplaryarrangement, the ridges 1516 and grooves 1518 are sized such thatcorresponding ridges and grooves on grip ring 120 may be meshed withridges 1516 and grooves 1518.

Finger rests 1508, 1510 may have a curvature that will allow fingers tocomfortably rest in finger rest 1508, 1510. Additionally, finger rests1508, 1510 may have a textured surface to provide purchase for fingers.

Finger rests 1508, 1510 may be biased toward one another. Biasing fingerrests 1508, 1510 toward one another will move second gripping portion1509 away from first gripping portion 1506 while first gripping portion1508, which is secured to housing 1504, remains stationary in relationto illuminating ring 1500. Once second gripping portion 1509 has beenmoved a sufficient distance away from first gripping portion 1506, gripring 120 may be inserted between first and second gripping portions1506, 1509, and finger rests 1508, 1510 may be released to theirunbiased positions. Releasing finger rests 1508, 1510 may cause secondgripping portion 1509 to move toward first gripping portion 1506, andcause both gripping portions 1506, 1509 to contact outer perimeter ofgrip ring 1526, thus securing grip ring 120 to housing 1504. Spacing ofridges 1516 and grooves 1518 on faces 1536, 1538 of gripping portions1506, 1509 may coincide with the spacing of ridges and grooves of gripring 120, providing a larger contact area between grip ring 120 andspring clamp 1502 for a more secure connection.

To remove grip ring 1526 from housing 1504 and/or grip ring 120, fingerrests 1508, 1510 may be biased toward one another, causing secondgripping portion 1509 to move away from first gripping portion 1506,thus releasing grip ring 120. Once grip ring 120 has been released, itmay be separated from housing 1504. Further, housing 1504 may beseparated from spring clamp 1502. More specifically, protuberance 1546may be disengaged from the opening disposed on attachment mechanism1543.

Referring now to FIG. 30 , At least one notch 1556 may be formed on anouter surface 1520 of cover 1530 so as to extend from an outer perimeterof cover 1530 to the perimeter of opening 1507. The at least one notch1556 may be configured so to accept and selectively retain a string orcord from a Neuro Pattie or other absorbent surgical sponge with anattached string or cord, as described above in connection with FIG. 27 .In one exemplary configuration, a plurality of notches 1556 may beprovided, and the notches 1556 may be disposed equidistantly on thecover 1530.

At least one small opening 1570 may be disposed on cover 1530. The atleast one small opening 1570 may be configured to accept a portion of amanipulation member. Examples of manipulation members 700, 700′ areillustrated in FIGS. 19A-19B. A hook element 706 of manipulation member700, 700′ may engage with small opening 1470, and handle 702 ofmanipulation member 700, 700′ may be manipulated to gently repositionilluminating ring 1400 and outer sheath (not shown).

At least one retaining element 1544 may extend radially outward fromwall member 1504 of cover 1504. Each of the at least one retainingelements 1544 may define a hole 1548. A suitable retaining member mayextend through each hole 1548 and may be used to secure illuminatingring 1500 to a surface. Suitable retaining members include, but are notlimited to, bridle sutures, flexible bands with retaining hooks, orrepositionable retractor arms.

Another exemplary configuration of an illuminating light ring assembly1600 is shown in FIGS. 34-36 . Light ring assembly 1600 is similar tothe configuration shown in FIGS. 30-33 . Light ring assembly 1600includes a cover 1604 that is configured substantially the same as cover1504, a light ring 1603 disposed within cover 1604, as well as a springclamp 1602.

The exemplary alternative arrangement of spring clamp 1602 may have afirst and a second gripping portion 1606, 1609, an attachment portion1643, a slidable portion 1666 and finger rests 1608, 1610. First andsecond gripping portions 1606, 1609 are disposed substantially oppositeone another, as seen in FIGS. 34-36 . Attachment portion 1643 isdisposed on the anterior surface of first gripping portion 1606, and isconfigured to be selectively secured to cover 1604. More specifically,attachment portion 1643 of spring clamp 1602 includes an opening that isconfigured to receive a protuberance 1646 of cover 1604, as shown inFIG. 34 .

Slidable portion 1666 is disposed on the anterior surface of secondgripping portion 1609. Slidable portion 1666 includes an exterior edge1670 opposite second gripping portion 1606. At least one slot 1668 isformed in slidable portion 1666. Slot 1668 extends from exterior edge1670 toward second gripping portion 1609. In one exemplary arrangement,a pair of slots 1668 is provided, with a land member 1669 therebetween.Further detail concerning the slots 1668 will be provided below.

Housing 1604 may have a projection member 1672 extending radiallyoutward from wall member 1605, as illustrated in FIG. 35 . At least onegripping member 1678 may be disposed on projection 1672. Each grippingmember 1678 may be configured so as to be engageable with one of the atleast one slots 1668. In one exemplary configuration, each grippingmember 1678 is configured as having a foot member 1680 that is orientedtransversely from a leg member 1681. The leg member 1681 is configuredto be disposed within slot 1668, with foot member overlying an outsidesurface 1682 of slidable portion 1666, as best seen in FIG. 36 .

Similar to finger rests 1508, 1510 in spring clip 1502, finger rests1608, 1610 are disposed substantially opposite one another, and eachfinger rest 1608, 1610 is disposed between first and second grippingportions 1606, 1609. First gripping portion 1606 has two arms 1612,1613, each extending from first gripping portion 1606 to one of fingerrests 1608, 1610. Second gripping portion has two arms, 1614, 1615, eachextending from second gripping portion 1609 to one of finger rests 1608,1610. The portion of each arm 1612, 1613, 1614, 1615 adjacent thegripping portion 1606, 1609 of spring clamp 1602 may be configured so asto accommodate a radial portion of the outer circumference of grip ring1626. Each arm 1612, 1613, 1614, 1615 may have sufficient flexibility toallow it to deviate from its usual configuration so as to allow grippingportions 1606, 1607 to move apart from one another if finger rests 1608,1610 are biased toward one another.

Gripping portions 1606, 1609 may be configured with sufficient curvatureto allow them to accommodate a radial portion of grip ring of an outersheath (not shown). Gripping portions 1606, 1609 may each be providedwith a retaining lip 1654, 1656 disposed along an edge of grippingportion 1606, 1609. Retaining lips 1654, 1656 may be oriented so as tobe substantially parallel to a plane of the top surface 1620 of cover1604. Each lip 1654, 1656 is configured to allow a grip ring to besecured between cover 1604 and lips 1654, 1656 of spring clamp 1602, andheld in place between gripping portions 1606, 1609.

Finger rests 1608, 1610 each have an outwardly facing surface that mayhave a curvature that will allow fingers to comfortably rest in fingerrest 1608, 1610. Finger rests 1608, 1610 may be selectively biasedtoward one another. When finger rests 1608, 1610 are so biased, secondgripping portion 1609 may be moved away from first gripping portion 1606to permit selective engagement with a grip ring.

Spring clamp 1602 is also configured to be positively engaged with cover1604, which houses light ring 1603 therein. More specifically, once thegrip ring of an outer sheath is retained to spring clamp 1602 (asdescribed above), slidable portion 1666 is engaged with projectionmember 1672 of cover 1604. More specifically, gripping portions 1678 arereceived within slots 1668 and spring clamp 1602 is slid onto cover 1604until attachment portion 1643 of spring clamp 1602 aligns with aprotrusion 1642 disposed on cover 1604. Protuberance 1646 may then bereceived within an opening (best seen in FIGS. 34 and 36 ). In thismanner, spring clamp 1502 is positively secured to cover 1604 (withlight ring 1603 disposed therein) at two locations; via protuberance1646 with an opening on attachment portion 1643 and via engagement ofgripping portions 1678 with slots 1668. The grip ring (not shown), willthereby be secured between first and second gripping portions 1606, 1609of spring clamp 1602, within the cavity of cover 1604 between a topsurface 1620 and retaining lips 1654, 1656.

To remove cover 1604 (and light ring) from a grip ring, the finger rests1608, 1610 may be biased toward one another, causing second grippingportion 1609 to move away from first gripping portion 1606 a sufficientamount to dislodge protuberance 1646 from the opening of attachmentportion 1643. Spring clamp 1602 may then be slid with respect togripping member 1678 so as to free gripping member 1678 from slots 1680,thereby releasing spring clamp 1602 from cover 1604. Once dislodged fromcover 1604, finger rests 1608, 1610 may be biased toward one another toflex gripping portions 1606, 1609 sufficiently that the grip ring may bereleased from retaining lips 1654, 1656.

Another exemplary alternative configuration of an illuminating ringassembly 1700 is shown in FIGS. 37-41 . Illuminating ring assembly 1700includes a cover portion 1704 and an attachment portion 1702. In thisconfiguration, attachment portion 1702 is integral with cover portion1704 such that illuminating ring assembly 1700 is a unitary structure.An annular gap 1707 is formed about a substantial periphery ofattachment portion 1702 to provide flexibility to attachment portion1702.

Cover portion 1704 is generally defined by a cover surface 1720 and awall member 1705 extending from cover surface 1720. The cover surface1720 cooperates with the wall member 1705 to define a cavity therein(best seen in FIGS. 38 and 41 ). An illuminating ring 1703 is disposedwithin the cavity, but does not extend the entire depth of the cavity.Extending through cover 1704 (as well as illuminating ring 1703) is anopening 1707, through which surgical instruments may be received.

Attachment portion 1702 also has a generally ring-shape and is definedby first and second wall sections 1706, 1708. Wall sections 1706, 1708are separated from one another so as to form a gap 1709 therebetween.Each wall section 1706, 1708 is defined by first and second ends 1706 a,1706 b and 1708 a, 1708 b, respectively. First ends 1706 a, 1708 a eachinclude a flexible finger tab 1710. Finger tabs 1710 have a thicknessthat is substantially less than the reminder of wall sections 1706,1708, to which each finger tab 1710 is connected. Second ends 1706 b,1708 b may slope downwardly toward an end of a retaining lip 1712 a,1712 b. Retaining lips 1712 a, 1711 b are generally curved along theinside periphery of the cavity formed by wall member 1705.

Connection of grip ring 120 from an outer sheath 102 to illuminatingring assembly 1700 will now be described. First, finger tabs 1710 arepressed toward one another. Such an action causes retaining lips 1712 a,1712 b to flex, lifting up a top edge thereof. This action permits gripring 120 to be received within the cavity. Finger tabs 1710 may then bereleased, which returns retaining lips 1712 a, 1712 b to its retainingposition. In the retaining position, the top edge of the retaining lips1712 a, 1712 b overlay an outer periphery of grip ring 120, therebycapturing grip ring 120 within the cavity of illuminating ring assembly1700 so as to secure illuminating ring assembly 1700 to outer sheath102.

Referring to FIG. 37 , additional alternative features of illuminatingring assembly 1700 will be described. Similar to previously describedconfigurations, cover 1720 may be provided with at least one notch 1756.The at least one notch 1756 may extend from the outer perimeter of cover1720 to the perimeter of opening 1707. The at least one notch 1756 maybe configured so as to accommodate a string or cord from a Neuro Pattieor other absorbent surgical sponge with a string or cord attached.

At least one small opening 1742 may be disposed on a surface of cover1720 of illuminating ring assembly 1700. A manipulation member may beused in conjunction with small openings 1742 to gently adjust positionof outer sheath 102. Examples of manipulation members 700 and 700′ areillustrated in FIGS. 19A-19B.

At least one retaining element 1744 may be provided. Retaining elementsextend radially outward from wall member 1705 of cover 1704. Each of theretaining elements 1744 may include a hole 1748. A suitable retainingmember may extend through each hole 1748 and may be used to secureilluminating ring assembly 1700 to a surface. Suitable retaining membersinclude, but are not limited to, bridle sutures, flexible bands withretaining hooks, or repositionable retractor arms.

It will be appreciated that the surgical access system and methodsdescribed herein have broad applications. The foregoing embodiments werechosen and described in order to illustrate principles of the methodsand apparatuses as well as some practical applications. The precedingdescription enables others skilled in the art to utilize methods andapparatuses in various embodiments and with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. In accordance with theprovisions of the patent statutes, the principles and modes of operationof this disclosure have been explained and illustrated in exemplaryembodiments.

It is intended that the scope of the present methods and apparatuses bedefined by the following claims. However, it must be understood thatthis disclosure may be practiced otherwise than is specificallyexplained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. Itshould be understood by those skilled in the art that variousalternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed inpracticing the claims without departing from the spirit and scope asdefined in the following claims. The scope of the disclosure should bedetermined, not with reference to the above description, but shouldinstead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It isanticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the artsdiscussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will beincorporated into such future examples. Furthermore, all terms used inthe claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonableconstructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilledin the art unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein.In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,”etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elementsunless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. It isintended that the following claims define the scope of the invention andthat the method and apparatus within the scope of these claims and theirequivalents be covered thereby. In sum, it should be understood that theinvention is capable of modification and variation and is limited onlyby the following claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A surgical access system, comprising: an outersheath defined by a proximal end and a distal end and having a lumenextending between the proximal end and distal end; an obturator definedby a first end and a second end and having a distal tip disposed on thesecond end of the obturator, wherein the obturator is removably receivedwithin the outer sheath such that the distal tip is configured toprotrude proximally from the distal end of the outer sheath when in anintroducing configuration; and at least one light element configured tobe selectively disposed entirely within a housing and selectivelysecured/releasably attached to a proximal end face of the outer sheathsuch that the at least one light element is positioned above the lumenof the outer sheath, wherein the at least one light element provideslight to a surgical corridor via the outer sheath.
 22. A surgical accesssystem of claim 21, further including a selectively removable attachmentmechanism configured to selectively attach the housing to the proximalend face.
 23. A surgical access system of claim 21, wherein the housingincludes an opening that axially aligns with the lumen of the outersheath to allow for the introduction of surgical instruments into theouter sheath when the obturator is removed.
 24. A surgical access systemof claim 21, wherein at least a portion of the outer sheath is frosted.25. A surgical access system of claim 21, wherein the proximal end ofthe outer sheath includes a locating member that operatively connectsthe housing to the outer sheath in a predetermined position.
 26. Asurgical access system of claim 25, wherein the locating member extendsoutwardly from an outer periphery of the proximal end of the outersheath.
 27. A surgical access system of claim 21, wherein the at leastone light element is fixedly mounted to a surface of the housing andoriented toward the lumen of the outer sheath when mounted to the outersheath.
 28. A surgical access system of claim 27, wherein each at leastone light element is electrically connected to a remote power source.29. A surgical access system of claim 21, wherein the light from the atleast one light element is directed from the proximal end of the outersheath down the lumen of the outer sheath.
 30. A surgical access systemof claim 21, wherein the at least one light element includes LED lights.31. A surgical access system of claim 30, wherein the at least one lightelement is configured to emit different combinations of frequencies oflight that cooperate with fluorescing dyes.
 32. A surgical access systemof claim 21, wherein the outer sheath includes a manipulation ringmounted to the proximal end of the outer sheath.
 33. A surgical accesssystem of claim 32, wherein the at least one light element is mountedadjacent to the manipulation ring.
 34. A surgical access system,comprising: an outer sheath defined by a proximal end and a distal endand having a lumen extending between the proximal end and distal end; anobturator defined by a first end and a second end and having a distaltip disposed on the second end of the obturator, wherein the obturatoris removably received within the outer sheath such that the distal tipis configured to protrude proximally from the distal end of the outersheath when in an introducing configuration; and at least one lightelement disposed within a housing that is selectively secured to amanipulation ring operatively connected to the proximal end of the outersheath, wherein the at least one light element is oriented within thehousing such that the at least one light element is positioned above thelumen of the outer sheath so as to direct light down through the lumenof the outer sheath.
 35. A surgical access system, comprising: an outersheath defined by a proximal end and a distal end and having a lumenextending between the proximal end and distal end; an obturator definedby a first end and a second end and having a distal tip disposed on thesecond end of the obturator, wherein the obturator is removably receivedwithin the outer sheath such that the distal tip is configured toprotrude proximally from the distal end of the outer sheath when in anintroducing configuration; and at least one light element disposedentirely within a housing removably secured to a manipulation ringoperatively connected to the proximal end of the outer sheath, whereinthe at least one light element is oriented within the housing such thatthe at least one light element is positioned above the lumen of theouter sheath, wherein the at least one light element provides light to asurgical corridor via the outer sheath.
 36. A surgical access system ofclaim 35, further including a selectively removable attachment mechanismconfigured to selectively attach the housing to the proximal end.